Austin Texas employment figures are positive.  The Texas capital city has grown in population and steadily kept on a path of job creation in both the private and public sectors, grasping the number one position out of 50 metropolitan areas for job creation.  In a time of gloomy news about the economy of the United States the employment data for Austin is especially welcome and positive news.

The majority of the country has been losing year-over-year jobs for over a year now.  Year-over-year jobs have been increasing in Austin Texas since April.  Unemployment in Austin was 7.2% in July, significantly lower than the national average of 9.5%.

The majority of data for Austin Texas adds up to making it a desirable city to live in, one where the economy appears steady and jobs appear attainable.  If you are considering moving to Austin Texas please get in touch with me.  I will use my knowledge and experience to make your relocation a smoother transition.

Click here to read recent employment data from the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

Austin Texas has been named the number one city for the next decade.  Kiplinger magazine recently created a list of ten cities for the next decade.  Austin Texas tops the list titled “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade”.  Austin is seen as a city that has thrived despite the recession, reinventing itself as needed but sticking true to its roots as a place that fosters new ideas and creativity.

What makes Austin unique and sets it apart is its ability to change and adapt with the times, if not get ahead of the times by being innovative and thinking “outside the box”.  Austin has the ability to attract small businesses and smart people.  In addition Austin remains a fun city with a unique personality that draws to it both people and business.

Recently Austin has proven itself as a recession-proof city and clearly the city is being noticed.  As the number one city for the next decade relocating to Austin has never been more attractive.  Contact me today to learn more about the city and the real estate opportunities that exist here.

Click here to read the article and complete list of “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade” from Kiplinger magazine.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

Austin Texas jobless numbers are better than the state average.  The latest data shows Texas jobless numbers holding at 8.2%, less than the national average which is roughly 9.5%.  This data is not surprising considering many of Texas’ metropolitan areas are showing a strong position in resisting the recession.  Austin had a 7.4% jobless rate in June and has a 7.3% preliminary rate for July.  According to the data that was released by the Texas Workforce Commission private employers have been adding jobs throughout 2010.

One thing that is helping Texas is its diverse, something that is especially noticeable in Austin.  As Austin Texas remains a recession-proof city it appeals to many as a city to relocate to.  If you have been considering relocating to Austin Texas please contact me today.  I can help familiarize you with the city and educate you on the different real estate opportunities that exist here.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

Home Ownership is a priority for most Americans

Despite an unsteady economy and the recent housing down-turn, many Americans still value homeownership and consider it to be more than a simple financial investment, according to a recent Fannie Mae National Housing Survey.  Other findings:

• Eight out of 10 Americans believe homeownership is important to the economy.
• 64 percent think it is a good time to buy a house, compared with 66 percent who said it was a good time to buy in 2003, before home prices peaked.
• 37 percent of Americans think housing prices will rise and 36 percent think prices will stay the same over the next 12 months.
• 60 percent believe buying a home today is harder than it was for their parents, and 68 percent think it will be even harder for their children.
• Seven out of 10 homeowners say they believe buying a home continues to be one of the safest investments available, while 74 percent believe putting money into a savings or money market account is safe.
• 65 percent say they prefer owning over renting, citing nonfinancial reasons such as neighborhood safety (43 percent) and quality of local schools (33 percent).

Austin Texas schools have succeeded in an annual state review of the state’s schools.  In Austin Texas education is important and the area is known for its great schools.  A recent report showed that 32 of Austin’s schools ranked as exemplary, the best ranking possible.  122 Austin schools were examined and 41 ranked as academically acceptable, and 36 were recognized.  This was a great showing for Austin education.

The Texas Education Agency reviews schools throughout Texas annually and statewide there was an increase in exemplary school ratings.  The new growth and improvement in scoring is great news for Austin as well as for Texas in general.

The quality of available education and schools can be a very important factor when looking for real estate.  If you are considering buying a home in Austin let me help educate you on the different school districts in the area.  Regardless of whether or not you have children, quality schools can affect the resale value of your home.

Click here to read the report card for Austin schools from the Texas Education Agency.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

Hyde Park is an Austin Texas neighborhood that dates back to the late 1800s.  Founded in 1891, the neighborhood was designed with its own streetcar line and an artificial lake, making it commutable for those working downtown and offering a lifestyle that Texans were looking for in a suburb.  The original homes that were built in Hyde Park were opulent and designed for the affluent Austin community.  As time went on the vision of Hyde Park changed and was marketed to the average citizen. 

Over the years Hyde Park has grown to be one of the most populated neighborhoods in Austin, complete with its own association and its own newspaper.  The Pecan Press is put out monthly by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association and hand-delivered to each residence.  Each issue of the Pecan Press updates residents with happenings in the area, minutes from the HPNA meetings, any issues that affect the neighborhood and advertising from local businesses.

Hyde Park represents one of the first true suburbs of Austin.  If you would like to learn more about this Austin Texas neighborhood or any other neighborhood please contact me today.  Austin is a city rich with history, offering a diverse population and unique neighborhoods.

Click here to visit the website for the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

The schools in West Lake Hills Texas are looking to improve.  Knowing that this is not the best time to approach tax payers for more money the Eanes Independent School District has decided to break up their request for money into three parts so that the voters can decide what the priorities are.  This is a crucial election for the education system of this Austin Texas suburb.

The three items for the November ballot are:

1. A proposition for $70.8 million to put toward critical needs for the Eanes ISD which includes renovations to existing school buildings, acquiring equipment and purchasing new school buses.
2. A proposition for $56.8 million to build a new elementary school and to renovate Eanes, Valley View and Forest Trail elementary schools.
3. A proposition for $20.2 million to build new facilities which could include a swim center, a fitness center and additional parking for Westlake High School.

This election is a crucial one for the improvement of the schools within West Lake Hills.  Click here to learn more about the Eanes bond issues.  Please contact me today to learn more about West Lake Hills or any other areas of Austin Texas.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

Austin Texas is home to some of the best fried chicken available in the United States.  A recent article in Travel and Leisure magazine is titled “America’s Best Fried Chicken” and Austin is on the list.  Max’s Wine Dive is the restaurant responsible for Austin making the list of ten cities responsible for finger-licking-good chicken.  Not all of the cities are southern and one in fact is located in the South Pacific.  Chicago, Honolulu, Indianapolis, New York and Seattle are among some of the other cities of the list.

According to Travel and Leisure magazine Max’s Wine Dive is an Austin restaurant that provides fried chicken in a jalapeño buttermilk marinade.  The restaurant is known for its soul food/comfort food, as well as its unique wine pairings.  Click here to read the Travel and Leisure article and learn a little more about fried chicken in Austin Texas.

Austin Texas is know for its uniqueness, in many arenas.  From its music, to its shopping to its restaurants, Austin is an interesting city with a great deal to offer.  Please contact me today if you would like to learn more about Austin and the opportunities that exist here.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

A Formula One race track is coming to Austin Texas and last week the City Council passed a resolution committing public funding for water lines at the site.  The Austin race track will be built in Wandering Creek and the city of Austin will make sure that the proper water and sewer lines are in place for a facility that will undoubtedly bring a great deal of future revenue to the Texas capital.

In addition to a race track, Wandering Creek will house a residential development of approximately 1,800 units.  Wandering Creek is located southeast of Austin.  Austin Texas has a diverse economy and Formula One racing, as well as hosting future Grand Prix races, will only add to it.  Click here to learn more about Formula One racing in Austin Texas.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.

If you are selling your Austin Texas home there are some things to consider if you are leaving it empty.  Today there are more empty homes for sale than usual as many people have moved on to new homes before selling their old homes.  What poses the most risk to a seller is insurance on an empty home.  Home owners insurance is meant for primary, lived-in homes and leaving your Austin home empty and un-lived in could mean an insurance risk.  It may be a good idea to contact your insurance company to make sure that your empty home is covered.

There are many things to consider when selling your Austin real estate, insurance coverage being just one aspect.  If you would like to learn more about what is involved in selling and marketing your Austin home please contact me today for a free consultation.

Click here to read the full report from RIS Media regarding the importance of insuring your empty Austin home.

Contact Todd Smith today for up to date information about Austin Texas real estate as well as free access to the Austin Texas MLS and all properties currently for sale in the Austin area.